Club Minutes: Horticultural Society, 1929

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The Assistant Secretary reported told of a good showing of flowers and spring things. Henry Nichols had onions that were treated in an unusual way, being hung to dry by plaiting the tops. They are preserved in good condition even into yet.

Our new members, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Farquhar were present, and Mrs. Farquhar's exquisite tulips would surely won a prize.

A request for a copy of the first Annals, from a Silver Spring woman met with no ready response. When we have copies of these precious annals it is not strange we hold fast to our possessions.

This being the first meeting of the year, reading of the Constitution and by-laws of the Society were in order. The Officers are elected every two years, Harry Stabler was elected President, Henry Nichols Vice-President, and Mary M. Nichols Secretary. Cousin Charlie Brooke, the retiring President received a rising vote of thanks for his service to this Society.

The suggestion that Fred. and Elza Thomas be asked to become members was heartily endorsed and the Sec. was instructed to write them of this wish. Helen Hallowell and Tom were asked to affiliate with whichever Household they wished.

Emma Bond told of the green roses used in Florida on St. Patrick's day.

Robert Miller suggested that keeping suckers off the corn stalks helped insure good sweet corn. Mrs. Farquhar asked how to raise sweet corn successfully. Mrs. Loveland asked if any one knew of using stone meal as mulch paper is used, it also has the quality of fertilizer.

Mrs. Bancroft told of seeing English Gorse at Yorktown.

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It is supposed to have been brought in feed at the time of the Revolution, also Scottish Broom. How to get rid of the pesky English sparrows? Like the babbling brooke they go on forever.

Have apples been injured by frost? Setting is uncertain.

The beautiful gardens and many blooming things were admired. Edgewood seems to have a charm all of it's own.

We adjourned to Falling Green, the date and day being changed to Wednesday, June fifth.

Mary M. Nichols Secretary.

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BROOKE GROVE JULY 2, 1929

We assembled at Falling Green June 5th, for the meeting of our Horticultural Society. A full attendance of members, and several guests made an interested group. The newly elected Chairman, Harry Stabler presided. Lillie Stabler, the first reader read a most instructive, interesting article on trees, giving account of the historical "Richard's Oak" near Port Deposit Maryland. This teee is beleived to date back to 1681. William Penn, on a journey into Maryland in that year recorded in his findings this tree. The map he made at this time is now in Philadelphia. This distinguished tree three hundred and fifty years ago was, in size and beauty worthy of note. It is of huge proportions, and is said to have sheltered a tent occupied by Lafayette. The Hytheham club of Port Deposit at an expence of five hundred dollars, had the tree treated by a tree surgeon. Dead wood was removed, the wounds doctored. and a bronze tablet was placed upon this tree April 12 1922. Later an iron fence was put around it to protect it from souviner hunters. Lightening rods have also been put through it.

Cornelia Bentley, the other reader told us of roses. varities old and new. The American Rose society members number five thousand, and are scattered over every State and Province of America. The United States has led for some time in the reproduction propagation of new, hardy, climbing roses. The Dr. Van Fleet, the American Pillar and the Silver Moon, being varities adapted to many parts of the country. The ever popular Hybrid roses in varities were told of, Roses pink and red and

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yellow, growing so easily make us long to live among th roses in their season.

Richard Iddings gave extracts from his Father's diary. These notes are full of interest, and told us how there is nothing new in the seasons as they come and go. Frost and rain make of marr our gardens and fruit, harvests and crops. The personal of the Horticultural Society in 1866 shows us how the family ties of this record of first members have been strong enough to keep alive this society all these years, many of the members being descendants of the original group. The paper as compiled by Mr. Iddings was ordered put onfile.

The Forethought recommended spraying at a definate time to keep down the various pests that chewand suck foliage. The exhibit, as always in June, was full and complete with fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Bessie Stabler asked if there was something our Society could do to protect against the magazines and bill-boards advertizing cigarettes so attractively. No definate action was taken. Mr. Bancroft gave a report of the Community Council, and what it is trying to accomplish.

Questions.. ...When to plant Idaho Potatoes, no one knew, When to cut off dead roses. Now is the time Why are grape leaves turning yellow. It was suggested that they will come back to color.

Mrs. Theo. Hoover wishes copies of the Annals ... no response, the first two volumes are at a high premium. What to do with yellowing Phlox . . no satisfactory answer. When to plant Asparagus bed. Cut old roots into small pieces, plant deep, in October. When to stop cutting Asparagus. June 15 was suggested, but

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cousin Charlie Brooke said cut lated if it is an old bed. What to do whene the canes of the currants and raspberries are being bored by an insect. Cut out canes and burn, but no cure was offered.

The Secretary suggested that The Horticultural Society plant a tree in memory of Mr. A. G. Thomas, some public place in the community being selected. Cousin Charlie Brooke, Mrs Tilton, Mary Stabler were appointed by the Chair, a committee to investigate the how and where.

Fred. Elza and Sue Thomas met with us as members for the first time. A letter from Hellen Hallowell and Tom telling us they were continuing as members., this was accepted with great satisfaction. Adjourned to meet at Brooke Grove on July 2.

The Garden showed the care it had received, veg.,flowes in profussion, the beautiful sod of the back yard canno go unrecorded. the grass Thick and green, free of weeds, it seemed not to have room enough to spread itself, and crept close up to, and even under the porch and steps. Supped served on the porch, and in this charming yard was another pleasure of this June evening. The old Home so full of interesting furnishings seemed also filled with hospitality and welcome, and memories of other Horticultural meetings.

Mary M. Nichols Sect'y.